Shingles vaccine study expands to four Finnish regions in dementia prevention trial

A large-scale Finnish study investigating whether the shingles vaccine could help prevent dementia is now recruiting participants in Central Finland, Kymenlaakso, Päijät-Häme, and Satakunta, public broadcaster Yle reports.

The Findementia study, already underway at select vaccination research clinics, aims to enroll roughly 35,000 participants over age 76, with a target of 8,000 from the newly included welfare regions. Researchers cite earlier findings suggesting the shingles vaccine may reduce dementia risk by 20–30 percent.

The vaccine used in the trial, approved in the EU since 2018, provides long-term protection against shingles. Eligible residents can register through their local health center’s appointment system if the facility is participating.

Participating health centers include 17 locations across the four regions, with select pharmacies also joining the recruitment effort. The study is the largest clinical drug or vaccine trial currently underway in Finland.